With so many people hitting the road this summer, you might also be thinking of doing so. Keep this checklist handy to make sure your car is in top shape for your next road trip. 

Check Your Engine and Air Filters

Before hitting the road, it’s essential to check your engine for noises or shaking as this could be a sign of a bigger problem. You should also look under the hood and make sure that all of your hoses are in good condition. Some warning signs that they’re not are to see if any of them are cracked or sliced. Finally, check for overheating by paying attention to your dashboard level and looking under the car to catch any oil or fluid leaks. For the air filters, check if they have accumulated debris from everyday driving, as their function is to keep it from reaching your engine and clogging it. If you see any debris stuck in your filters, you should take them out and give them a good clean to ensure proper functioning.

Check Oil Levels and Other Fluids

If you already checked your engine for issues you can see, hear or feel, it’s also vital that you take the time to review the fluids that can help your engine run more efficiently. These fluids can be your motor oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer. These help with the correct function of your vehicle and ensure that each part will be in working order for your trip.

Using the right oil is essential to keep your engine running smoothly. So schedule a synthetic oil change in Ottumwa. The professionals at Lopshire Motorsports can guide you to the best products for your vehicle, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. For more information, visit the online store or call (641) 680-7181.

Make Sure Your Tires are in Good Condition

You should check your vehicle’s tires regularly, but most importantly, before going on the road. Good tires can prevent bad car accidents or lose time on the road by stopping to fix a tire. Another critical thing to do, especially before a long road trip, is to check how worn your tires are and if they need a rotation or if you need to replace them. Pro tip: Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and inflated correctly in case of an emergency.

Inspect Drive Belts and Hoses

Next is to check your drive belts and hoses, which you can check from under your car. Some signs of damage are cracks, tears, nicks, and bulges. Specifically for belts, you can look for glazing on the sides, which can cause the belt to overheat and crack.

Know Your Car’s Battery Charge

Usually, a battery should last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. But still, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how well it’s performing. Take your car to a store specialized in car parts and supplies to get your battery tested and see how well it’s retaining power and if it needs changing.

To get a synthetic oil change in Ottumwa, contact the pros at Lopshire Motorsports and learn about what products can benefit your vehicle. For more information, visit the online store or call (641) 680-7181.

Inspect Your Windshield, Lights, and Horn

A quick but essential safety review is to make sure your windshield doesn't have any cracks as it could impede your vision while driving, and many states mandate that there aren’t any cracks that could affect a driver’s line of sight. Likewise, lights should be in working condition for your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. Lastly, your horn should work as well as it can help you out in case of an emergency.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car

A final tip that can prove to be helpful in an emergency is to have an emergency kit in your car. According to the National Safety Council, some of the elements you should pack in your kit are:

• A wheel wrench and a tripod jack
• A flashlight with batteries
• Jumper cables
• A reflective triangle
• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher
• A reflective vest

Road trips and long drives can wear down your engine if you’re not maintaining it properly. The friendly professionals at Lopshire Motorsports can advise you and help you pick the best products for your vehicle, and help you schedule a Synthetic Oil Change in Ottumwa. For more information, visit the online store or call (641) 680-7181.